To terminate the Department of Education.

# HR 899: Department of Education Termination Bill **What the Bill Would Do** HR 899 would shut down the federal Department of Education by December 31, 2026. If passed, this would eliminate the federal agency responsible for administering student aid programs, special education services, civil rights enforcement in schools, and various education policies and grants that currently support schools nationwide. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would impact students, teachers, school districts, and families across the country. Key areas affected would include federal student loan programs (like Pell Grants and federal loans), special education requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I funding for low-income schools, and civil rights protections in education.

The bill provides a two-year timeline for the agency's closure, though it doesn't detail how education functions would be handled afterward—whether they'd be transferred to other agencies, eliminated entirely, or managed differently. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. The bill reflects a longstanding debate about the federal government's role in education, with supporters arguing for more local control and reduced federal spending, while opponents contend that the Department ensures equitable access to education and protects student rights nationwide.